7 June 2012

Copenhagen's Mermaid to get male companion

For almost a century, Copenhagen's iconic little Mermaid statue has sat alone on a rock in the harbour, pining for the prince she has been promised - and now she will finally get her man.

This Sturday 9th June, the city of Helsingor will finally unveil a suitable companion to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale mermaid, in the shape and form of Han (Him, in Danish).

Made by sculptors Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, the stainless steel young male figure will be perched on his own steel rock, in a similar pose in Helsingoer harbour, watching the fleets of luxury liners that pass through the Oeresund Strait on their way to the Little Mermaid. He has been given a prominent pace inf ront of the 600-year-old maritime city's new Culture Yard, where until a few years ago yachts and ships were built for the wealthy and the world's biggest shipping companies. He has cost around €403,683 but the city is hoping its new attraction will result in an increasing number of tourists.

If you would like to visit Copenhagen to see the Little Mermaid and her new companion in Helsingor, then Scandinavian Airlines (Europe's most punctual airline) can get you there for less. SAS fly direct from Dublin to Copenhagen from €75 one way, including all taxes and charges. Visit www.flysas.ie for more information.